Inter Milan have identified Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun as the perfect replacement for Edin Dzeko, who has been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has flown to London for talks with both Arsenal and Chelsea over potential transfers. While Inter see Balogun as a top replacement for Dzeko, they would rather initially sign him on loan from the Gunners to help with their finances. However, Arsenal is more interested in an outright sale and has put a €40m price tag on the 21-year-old striker.
Who is Folarin Balogun?
Folarin Balogun is a 21-year-old striker who came through the Arsenal academy. He has just enjoyed a successful loan spell at French club Reims, registering 21 goals across 37 games in Ligue 1. Despite transfer interest, Arsenal is also open to keeping hold of him and feel Balogun could provide competition and back-up for Gabriel Jesus up front.
Inter Milan’s interest in Balogun
Inter Milan sees Balogun as a top replacement for Dzeko, who has been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has flown to London for talks with both Arsenal and Chelsea over potential transfers. While Inter see Balogun as a top replacement for Dzeko, they would rather initially sign him on loan from the Gunners to help with their finances.
Arsenal’s stance on Balogun
Arsenal is more interested in an outright sale and has put a €40m price tag on the 21-year-old striker. Mikel Arteta’s side return to the Champions League next season and will need a bigger squad than they had this campaign to deal with the demands, so Balogun would be a very handy addition to the first team ranks. However, after playing regularly all season with Reims, he is keen to continue his progress and if a big club can offer him more minutes on the pitch than Arsenal then he will be very tempted.
Competition for Balogun’s signature
A string of teams are interested in signing Balogun, and Inter Milan faces competition from city rivals AC Milan as well as Jose Mourinho’s Roma. Despite transfer interest, Arsenal is also open to keeping hold of him and feel Balogun could provide competition and back-up for Gabriel Jesus up front.
Conclusion
Inter Milan views Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun as the perfect replacement for Edin Dzeko, who has been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has flown to London for talks with both Arsenal and Chelsea over potential transfers. While Inter see Balogun as a top replacement for Dzeko, they would rather initially sign him on loan from the Gunners to help with their finances. However, Arsenal is more interested in an outright sale and has put a €40m price tag on the 21-year-old striker. Balogun has just enjoyed a successful loan spell at French club Reims, registering 21 goals across 37 games in Ligue 1. Despite transfer interest, Arsenal is also open to keeping hold of him and feel Balogun could provide competition and back-up for Gabriel Jesus up front.